Monday, 17 October 2011

Holistic help for the Summer Holiday period

Soaking in the sun, over-indulging in food and drink, along with travel to foreign parts, is all part of the fun of the Summer holiday period – but it can take its toll on our bodies and leave us feeling unwell.

Alongside the Summer clothes and sun-tan lotion, Portishead homeopath Paul Black makes sure his cupboard is well stocked with homeopathic medicines to help him through the ailments of the Summer season.

A particular favourite with patients, he says, is the homeopathic remedy Nux vomica, which many people use to help with the symptoms of a hangover.

Paul said: “Different remedies help with different sets of symptoms. In homeopathy, we treat according to the individual symptoms of the patient and how if effects them, rather than based on the named condition. Patients usually come to a homeopath with a chronic illness, such as eczema, and because the treatment is individual, 10 people with eczema would usually be prescribed different remedies.

“Minor complaints and acute illnesses are more superficial and remedies can be used at home or whilst travelling with good results.Illness and injuries, by their very nature, happen at unpredictable times when it may be difficult or impossible to buy what you need.Like me, holiday travellers may like to consider taking a travel kit with them so you can be prepared for most eventualities.A homeopathic travel kit is a collection of remedies plus a useful guide book to cover common ailments and injuries.There no problems taking these kits customs security checks at airports and ports.My own kit has been to many different countries.”

Travel kits are available from Paul at a discounted price, or can be purchased online from homeopathic pharmacies Helios or Ainsworths.Here are just a few remedies which might help you through the ailments of the holiday period:

Nux vomica: this is known as “the hangover” remedy but can also be used for the general symptoms of over-indulgence. Symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, and nausea, a headache, sensitivity to noise and light, and irritability. Particularly suits “workaholics” who tend to burn the candle at both ends, keep going with coffee and feel the cold.

Arsenicum: this remedy comes into play when the symptoms are like that of food poisoning, with vomiting and diarrhoea, a pale palour and anxiety. Symptoms are worse at night, with burning in the digestive tract and a desire to sip water. It suits restless people who worry, need to plan ahead and feel the cold.

Robinia:this remedyis known as the homeopathic “antacid” and can be used if you have eaten too much, are feeling bloated, with heartburn or stomach acid.

Apis:this remedy is useful when there are allergic symptoms following insect stings and bites.There is raised red area around the sting or bite, which can be itchy.

Arnica:lots of people know to use this remedy for bruising, but this remedy is also very useful for recovering from jet-lag.

If you would like any further advice or want to book a homeopathic appointment then call Paul Black on 01275 339422 or email Paul.Black@TotalHealthHomeopathy.com.